Kaffir lime, also called the makrut lime, and scientifically referred to as Citrus hystrix, is native to South East Asian regions. Possessing a highly citrus odor and rough textured exterior, this lime is now widely grown in the Americas and throughout the Caribbean. Per 100g, kaffir citrus has got:
- Calories: 30g
- Total Carbohydrates: 7.5g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 30mg
- Iron: 0.2mg
- Vitamin A: 13.4μg
- Vitamin C: 43mg
Benefits of Kaffir Lime
Reducing Stress
The leaves of the Kaffir lime and extracts from the peel are used to make oil, and they are effective when used for aromatherapy.
Improving Sleep
Because kaffir lime relieves stress and anxiety, it also improves the quality of sleep.
Pain Relief
When used topically, kaffir lime treats pain. A few drops of the essential oil mixed into coconut oil gives some relief when massaged on muscles and joints that are painful or inflamed.
Improving Digestive Health
Kaffir lime enhances digestion through the stimulation of vital enzymes involved in the breakdown of food. The leaves and fruit have loads of anti-inflammatory compounds that relieve inflammation due to stomach ulcers along the digestive tract as a result of Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome.
This brings about greater nutrient assimilation, low chances of constipation, and improved probiotic culture health.
Better Oral Health
Long before toothpaste was ever made, leaves were chewed. This helped to minimize bacterial growth and protect the oral cavity. Some of these leaves constitute herbal toothpaste today, and in some other forms, other kinds of toothpaste. that were used historically have been found to have active ingredients that exert antibacterial actions, helping to support the health of the oral cavity.
Topical Antiseptic
Kaffir lime has natural antiseptic actions, controlling bacterial infection on wounds. It interrupts the replication of bacteria, hence bringing about quick recovery to wounds.
It`s a Natural Insect Repellent
Kaffir lime has got citronella and other essential oils, making it an effective natural insect repellent.
In tropical countries which experience mosquito infestations, kaffir lime is used by applying it directly to the body or spraying around the home to keep insects out.
Eliminating Lice
Did you know that kaffir lime extract made from fruit, or combined with the leaves is used as a remedy for head lice? It kills the adult parasite and nits.
Maintaining a Healthy Skin
Kaffir lime has got some active antioxidant qualities, making it reliable in preserving the skin`s health.
Manages Curly Hair Better
Citronella oil, one of the primary constituents in kaffir lime, is quite effective in detangling, helping to make curly hair easier to manage. It also adds volume by permeating an electrical charge on hair strands that cause them to repel each other. It removes dirt and grease from hair too. It could be added to shampoo to achieve desired effects.
It`s a Natural Deodorant
Citrus based essential oils such as kaffir lime are among the best in terms of natural deodorants because their aroma can defeat that of sweat, and also reduce the density of bacteria in areas which usually have offensive odors.
It`s Got Natural Anti-Parasitic Properties
Intestinal worms cause nutritional deficiencies, and other severe health conditions if left untreated. Extracts in kaffir lime have an antiparasitic effect that kills intestinal worms, and their larvae. People who often travel to environments which they`re not familiar with their method of preparing food may need to take kaffir lime essential oil along to consume in order to avoid terrible parasitic infections.
What about Kaffir Lime Leaves?
Here are the super benefits of kaffir lime leaves discussed briefly.
Dealing with a Cough
Have you ever had a terrible cough that`s bad enough to ruin your activities at work? What if you try kaffir lime leaves instead of those medications from the drugstore when next you need to treat a cough? Kaffir lime leaves together with honey or palm sugar when poured into a cup of warm water does the wonder. The vitamin C extract present in the lime leaves is quite effective in healing a cough and making the throat become clean and fresh.
It`s Antibiotic
Kaffir lime leaves have an antibiotic function, enabling them to protect the body from disease. At sick times, and when the body tends to have low immunity, these leaves are a better choice than antibiotics purchased in a drug store which might contain some contra-indications. These leaves boost the immune system and health generally. They protect the body from viruses and bacteria. Drinking the water of boiling kaffir lime leaves early every morning does some good to the body system.
Curing Sprue
Being a reliable source of vitamin C, kaffir lime leaves absolutely cure sprue. Sprue can be really disturbing because it affects chewing and speech. It is caused by inadequate water and vitamin C inside the body. It may also be a clue of something going wrong in one`s organ. Consuming warm water of infused kaffir limes leaves reduces sprue and boosts the immune system to produce more vitamin C.
Preventing Cancer
A regular consumption of kaffir lime leaves promises the prevention of cancer cell growth inside the body.
It`s an Influenza Medicine
Kaffir lime leaves are super effective defeat the viruses that cause influenza. These leaves attack influenza by producing white blood plasm as the natural body immune. Incorporating kaffir limes leaves in salads and soups can be quite nutritious. They can also be poured into water to drink. These are effective ways to make influenza go away.
How are Kaffir Lime Leaves Consumed?
Let us discuss some creative ways to incorporate these leaves into meals.
Lime Leaves Fried Rice
There are loads of methods to process kaffir limes leaves into meals. Fried rice is one of such meals. Why not try mixing these leaves into fried rice, remembering to add some vegetables, eggs, or meat? Meals just got tastier, really!
Curry Noodles
Adding some kaffir lime leaves into noodles while cooking, and permitting the good fragrance of lime leaves does some good to the body when one is sick. This is because the body needs a stimulation ingredient to boost the appetite so that there will not be an inadequacy of vitamins and other forms of nutrition for healing and recovering process. Adding slices of kaffir lime leaves make curry noodle more tasty and yummy, and adds some health benefits to it.
General Lime Facts
- Lime is a suitable substitute for lemon because both fruits have a sour taste and similar vitamin content.
- Lime has 4 times less vitamin C than lemon.
- Limes have a higher content of sugars and acids than lemons do.
- Lime trees have a shrub-like appearance due to multiple, irregular branches with numerous short twigs. Some types of lime are spiny.
- Lime blooms and produces fruit all year round. In some regions, lime produces the greatest quantity of flowers and fruit from May to September.
- British sailors were entitled to a daily allowance of citrus, such as lemon, and later changed to lime, to prevent scurvy during the 19th century.
- The use of citrus from lime used to be a top military secret, as scurvy was a common scourge of various national navies, and the ability to remain at sea for lengthy periods without contracting the disorder was a huge benefit for the military.
- British sailors acquired the nickname, “Limey” because of how much they used limes.
